Homeless fathers trying to stay connected with their children feel like a 'societal failure' — study

According to the latest figures, there are just under 15,000 homeless people in Ireland. This includes 10,067 adults and 4,419 children, and over 2,000 families. File photo: iStock

Homeless fathers feel “unworthy” and not considered a parent, and the system leaves them unable to secure accommodation that could also allow their children to stay with them, new research has shown.

The study commissioned by Focus Ireland, and compiled by Quality Matters, found being homeless damages the identity, self-efficacy and self-confidence of fathers while they also face a lack of practical supports to foster relationships with their children.